This primal reaction was swiftly followed by a tide of guilt. How could she react to a complete stranger this way? Even though his behavior was odd, she knew nothing about him. Perhaps he was only an overly shy boy, trying to make friends with her. Her instincts shouted otherwise, but her annoyance over her own irrational fear silenced them.
This is ridiculous! He seems harmless. Just ask what he wants. If he turns out to be a knife-wielding maniac, you can always run away.
Time lurched forward, and she turned to face him before he could reach his intended cover.
“Hello,” she said, forcing her voice to remain casual. “I am Iadrawyn. Who are you?”
The boy froze, his eyes wide in startlement. “I—I am Golvanyar.”
Golvanyar... Where have I heard that name before? Right. That tiresome woma
